The setting takes place at Josh's farm in Tennessee, his farm in Texas, the cities of San Antonio, Goliad, Gonzales, and all over East Texas.

The story is in an earlier period, around the time of the Texas Revolution.

The main character is Josh Buckalew, most of the story is about him, and some sub-main characters are Josh’s older brother Thomas Buckalew, Muley Dodd who is Josh’s lazy companion, Ramon Hernandez who is Josh’s Mexican friend, Maria Hernandez who is Josh’s second love and Ocie Quitman who is a widower with resentment against Mexicans.



When the story first unfolds Josh is leaving Tennessee to travel to Texas. He encounters some trouble at Nacogdoches, but he manages to get to Texas okay. Then he gets settled with the help of some Mexican friends. But soon the Revolution breaks out and Josh is soon provoked by Thomas to join the army. He is placed in the main army unit and participates in the Grass Fight and the Battle of San Antonio where Felix, Ramon’s younger brother, dies. After seeing so much bloodshed, he quits the army and returns to his farm in time to escape the tragedy of the Alamo. He soon finds out about the Alamo and goes searching for his brother. When he finally finds his brother they are both captured at Goliad. Then Thomas gives his life to save Josh who is one of the few who survived the massacre. Afterwards he crosses over all of East Texas to reach Sam Houston’s army. He then joins the army to get revenge for his brother’s death. Finally, Ramon’s older brother, Antonio, dies at the Battle of San Jacinto. Josh also participates in the Battle of San Jacinto where he is wounded and ends up returning home. Here ends book One: The Goliad Massacre.